Democratic Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter calling for large-scale cuts in the Pentagon budget presents an “endangerment to the security of Israel.” Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Robert Dole said Thursday at the opening of the New York City headquarters for the Ford campaign. Dole said that the “Ford-Dole record on Israel is clear, precise, consistent, and vigorous, a record committed to the freedom and security of Israel. The people know where we stand and where we are going.”

Dole asserted that the $4.3 billion in financial support Israel received in the last four years for arms was about three times as much as Israel had received in the previous 25 years. Vice-President Nelson Rockefeller introduced Dole as one of “Israel’s truly great friends and outstanding supporters.”

During the opening ceremonies, Republican State Chairman Richard M. Rosenbaum discussed campaign plans with George Klein, a national campaign coordinator, and Prof. Israel Singer, an issues advisor to the Ford campaign.

“The Ford record in all areas of Jewish interest and concern is a proven and outstanding one,” Klein said, “during nearly 30 years as Congressman, Vice-President, and President. On the other hand, all we have from Carter is rhetoric and inconsistencies: on the creation of a Palestinian state, on the return to the pre-1967 borders, and aid to Israel. With advisors such as George Ball can we feel secure and safe with Carter?”